As you may have noticed, there have been some new restaurants gracing our neighborhood. After months of passing 118 Clematis waiting for Mange e Bevi to open, it finally did……..as Luigi’s!

We certainly have our fair share of Italian eats on the block, and I declare this one of the best. It will certainly give Mambo Italiano some stiff competition, and if the crowds are anything to go by….the Tribe has spoken!

On this particular evening, we thought we’d arrive early enough to beat the throngs, but no such luck. With an already glowing review by the Post, and a waterfront event drawing additional people, we had to wait (although not too long) for a table and finally accepted outside seating. The only complaint I have is that the table was rocky (and no one offered to help steady it) — and we almost lost a couple of dishes to the sidewalk. But I’ll forgive this oversight as it was so busy.

To start, the garlic rolls are to die for. A small basket is brought to the table, and I can eat those all night. We ordered our appetizers — a caesar salad and clams oreganata. Entrees included Cappellini Pomodoro, an angel hair pasta in a yummy tomato sauce, and Shrimp Scampi. Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert (note to self: lay off the bread, but I don’t see that happening). Take a quick look at their menu for all their Italian treats. http://luigiswpb.com/

Staff was friendly and accommodating, and the manager is constantly running around to make sure things are operating smoothly.

Awhile ago we had initially tried their pizza which was OK (IMHO), but we’re sticking with Hot Pie down the block. Everything else – deliziosa and a big .

While I was sorry to see the demise of Z Gallerie at 314 Clematis Street (and we did our fair share of shopping there for some lovely home fixtures), the space did not go to waste.  In its stead stands a wonderful addition to the downtown WPB dining establishments.

Both the inside and outside decor of Off The Hookah looks like a scene in an Egyptian palace (not that I’ve ever been in one), with many statues of recognizable symbols (burial masks and dogs); couches, “beds” and various seating with lots and lots of pillows; and small rooms almost hidden from view for more privacy.  All very colorful.  In actuality, the main dining area was a bit small, with space taken mostly by a few bars, and a large area for entertainment which takes place later in the evening.  Our server (he of the cute English accent) informed us that they were expecting upwards of 1500 people that evening.  Entertainment can consist of music, as well as belly dancers and flame throwers (yes, that’s what he said).

On to the main topic of conversation – the cuisine.  What surprised me a bit is that their menu does not have many true Middle Eastern choices….not that I’m complaining.   We were offered a sushi menu, but we declined so I do not know what they offered. 

We started with a couple of mojitos, after which our taste buds were ready for anything, in other words, the drinks were strong and the type of fare didn’t matter as long as it was tasty.  It did not disappoint.   The appetizer was the one appropriate regional dish – an Off The Hookah sampler of hummus, falafal cakes and salad, accompanied by pita bread.  We each ordered a shrimp cocktail and they did not skimp on the shrimp which many restaurants do.    Following were the entrees of a whole hogfish snapper served with rice, and lamb chops over potatoes au gratin.  The server (he of the cute English accent) took the time to filet the fish at our table.   The meal was excellent, and I have never tasted such sweet lamb chops.  We shared desserts of mango creme brulee and a small chocolate mousse.   I definitely grade this a good and satisfying meal.

Service was attentive, perhaps a bit too attentive.  I think in a matter of minutes another server, the manager, the chef (and a few others) had been to the table to see how we were doing.  Maybe they knew I was doing a review….NAH!  But we didn’t lack for anything.

As for the hookah, our server (he of the cute English accent) explained that you can smoke one with tobacco outside, but only the fruity flavored waterpipes with no tobacco are allowed inside.   Maybe next time….

…..hereinafter referred to as M&S because I refuse to keep writing out the whole name. At least it’s not S&M because then this review would be going in a whole different direction.

I had a brief introduction to M&S, located on Okeechobee Blvd, when my office was invited on the restaurant’s opening day to enjoy a “cocktail hour” in one of their smaller side rooms (with a well stocked bar). We munched on some delicious hors d’oeuvres and enjoyed a drink or two. But this was just barely a sampling and only a preview to the main event which hubby and I were to enjoy at a later date. It is, however, fun to watch all my office mates, including the managers, eat, drink and be merry instead of barking orders.

Finally got around to having a real meal…and discovering the real deal at M&S. Reservations had been made and it was necessary, especially on Kravis show nights, as the place was packed. And that’s exactly where we were headed after dinner. I have two names for you to keep in mind — Jonathan (the bartender), and Patrick (the server) — who both made our evening a total success.

Have you ever asked either the bartender or your server to make suggestions because the menu was so overwhelming? The usual response you probably get is that everything on the menu is wonderful, or perhaps you get a few recommendations and you still have to make that choice. In this case, both Jonathan and Patrick nailed it. A creamy chocolate raspberry concoction arrived at our table from the bar and it was heaven. And Patrick wasted no time in choosing what he considers the best thing on the menu — Corvina Crab Potato Hash and Corn Bisque which is what hubby had. I had the Chef’s special that night which was a cobia fish. We were both beyond satisfied. The menu changes daily depending on the freshest seafood, and the selection is amazing.

Patrick was a delight, and we will request to be seated in his section whenever we eat at M&S. He was friendly, attentive without being overbearing, and, most importantly, knowledgeable. He also was aware that we had to make a show and his service was quick and efficient.

Our first experience at M&S was a complete delight and there’s no question that we’ll be back numerous times until we’ve been through the entire menu, and that will take a lot of visits!

Located at 125 Datura Street, where Spoto’s used to reside (and I’m still mourning that loss), stands the new Gratify Pub.

We arrived early for our first visit (no reservations accepted), and were seated easily, but it wasn’t long before every “comfortable” spot was taken.  One of the first things you notice is an unusual arrangement that doesn’t allow for a huge seated crowd, but I can see it becoming a popular gathering and meeting spot, especially with a menu of “late night” offerings.   Upon entering, there is a well situated bar and a few high top tables.  As you walk further back, there are what I refer to as “half” booths where there is one continuous cushioned area against the wall with chairs opposite  and only about six or seven small tables strategically placed.  Depending on your group, the tables can be moved together or apart.  There is also a long counter with  chairs, reminding me of a sushi bar, but no one chose to sit in that space.  I, personally, would not find that a suitable spot to enjoy a relaxing meal.

I must say that Gratify will probably be successful, as there were several “celebrity” sightings this particular night.  To our left sat the famous Howard Pincus and his lovely wife Susan with their very beautiful family.   They all gave a big thumbs up to dinner as they left, although I’m not sure that their grandchild had quite the discernible palate at such a young age.   To the right of us sat a group that included our very own Mayor Lois.     So we encountered a very high profile crowd on our first visit.

Now on to the main event….beginning with cocktails.  One martini, one mojito — both chocolate flavored.   Not a bad start.  Instead of the usual bread basket,  chips are served.  Some were crispy, while others were a bit stale and limp.  We couldn’t decide if there were different types of chips meant to be this way, or they mixed in some old with the new.   We each ordered the cream of tomato soup appetizer which was very flavorful.   The main menu is very similar in concept to the now defunct Clematis Social (where Reef Road now sits on Clematis).  If you are familar with this notion, there are some main courses (a couple of seafood choices, and the usual meat and fowl dishes), but the majority are “small plates” which are great for sharing.   We ordered the Arugula Flatbread,  Mozzarella Ciliegine (little balls of cheese in olive oil with herbs), the Crab Tower, and a Trio of pulled pork sliders.

To better describe each dish, here is the menu.

I do have a small complaint about whomever is working the cappuccino machine.  When they arrived, the foamy head hid the fact that the cups were not filled, so we barely had half a drink.   My other half did not like the flourless chocolate cake, but, hey, more for me!!   The only other dessert, for now, is a sweet potato pie.   We were informed that there will be a pastry chef hired soon, so the dessert offerings should expand.

Service was friendly and attentive, and every level of staff would stop by to make sure we were enjoying the meal.

Were we Gratified?   Yes, and will return to try the other fare.   There may be a few kinks to work out, but, hopefully, they will do well.

Through the snow and sleet, we walked hurriedly to Don Ramon’s at 300 Clematis Street.   Well, not exactly, but I was wearing a heavy down jacket and hood that hadn’t seen the outside of my closet for over 10 years.  But enough about the weather… Continue Reading →

As I mourned the loss of La Salsa, , standing by was another fresh Mexican grill, Taco Vida. Continue Reading →

I wanted to give  brief shout-outs to my new favorite pizza place, and a walk-up for some of the best homemade Italian ices and ice cream. Continue Reading →

I’m getting       so I’ve decided to cheat and bundle two reviews into one.   With all the new restaurants on the horizon, I may have to double up my eatin’ and writin’  in the future.      Continue Reading →

and Hip Hip Hooray! The restaurants are coming to town!   Hopefully, with all the “Coming this Fall” signs, our appetites will be sated with new delicacies.  Continue Reading →

Needing to satisfy an urge for sauerbraten (and it wasn’t me!), we went on a search for a decent German restaurant and found one at 806 Lake Avenue.  Continue Reading →